Dharmendra Pradhan Vows Liquor Ban in Odisha if BJP Secures Power

Deogarh: Addressing a gathering at Tileibani in Deogarh district ahead of the twin elections in Odisha, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan underlined the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) commitment to banning liquor in the state if voted to power.

Pradhan, who is contesting from the Sambalpur Lok Sabha constituency, highlighted the surge in atrocities against women during the rule of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and pledged stringent measures to address the issue.

Pradhan articulated that under BJP governance, liquor prohibition would be enforced, including restrictions on country liquor. He that a licensing system will be made for country liquor to combat widespread corruption associated with revenue collection under the current administration.

The senior BJP leader condemned the Naveen Patnaik government for allegedly obstructing land acquisition for railway projects, urging voters to empower BJP in Odisha for expedited completion of the Talcher-Bimalagarh rail line within the next five years.

Highlighting disparities, Pradhan criticized the BJD for purportedly claiming undue credit for initiatives such as funding for women’s self-help groups (SHGs), which he asserted are facilitated by the central government. He questioned why Odisha, endowed with abundant fertile land and mineral resources, still grapples with poverty under the BJD regime.

Pradhan’s remarks resonated with concerns over women’s safety and economic development, positioning the BJP as a viable alternative to address these challenges in Odisha.